In the Chancellor’s Shadow: Officials of the Morosini and Grimani Families in Savičenta from the Late 15th to the Early 17th Century

Abstract

Based on the extensive correspondence between the feudal lords of Savičenta (the Morosini and Grimani families) in Venice and their officials, chancellors and captains in Savičenta, as well as various other sources (court proceedings, reports, contracts, statutory provisions, etc.) stored in the Grimani e Barbarigo collection in the State Archives (Archivio di Stato) in Venice, this paper sheds light on the role and activities of the captain and the chancellor, as well as their relationship. Special emphasis is placed on the godfather ties between the families of the chancellor and the captain, as well as the moments and reasons for their conflicts. While the captain’s term was relatively short (initially five, later reduced to three years), the chancellery was firmly held by the Quinzano family for over a century. The position was passed down from fathers to their sons. The long mandate of the chancellor allowed members of this prominent family to accumulate wealth, often at the expense of the feudal lords. This aspect of the Quinzano family’s activities is specifically analysed, including the reasons for their conflicts with the captains and the numerous connections they established to secure a solid base among prominent community members, as well as ordinary people, farmers, and livestock breeders